Ride the Dirt Wave
EVENT FAQ’s:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN IS PACKET PICKUP? We offer several options for packet pickup and registration. On Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM you can pick up your race packet or register for Sunday’s race at the event venue. If you pick up your packet on Saturday you will not need to check in on Sunday morning and can head straight to the race course. Sunday morning check-in opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 8:00 AM for those who did not pick up their packet on Saturday.
CAN I REGISTER ON RACE DAY? Yes, but we strongly encourage you to register by Saturday if possible. Day of registration closes at 8:00 AM Sunday morning. See the event schedule for full packet pickup times.
ARE HELMETS REQUIRED? Yes, helmets are required for all participants at all times on the race course.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO RACE? The minimum age to race is 9 years old per Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) guidelines. Please note that these courses are fast and technical with steep climbs to reach the top where the race begins. This is not a beginner event.
WILL THERE BE A PRE-RIDE OF THE RACE COURSE? Yes! There will be a guided pre-ride of the race course on Saturday at 2:00 PM. This is open to all participants and highly recommended, especially if it is your first time on the trails.
DO I HAVE TO RACE ALL THREE EVENTS OR CAN I SIGN UP FOR JUST ONE? You are welcome to sign up for one, two, or all three events. However, you must complete all three races to be eligible for the title of Champion of the Dirt Wave Series.
CAN I CHANGE MY RACE CATEGORY? You cannot switch race categories on the same race day. If you have finished racing for the day you may change your category for a future event, either moving up or down. Please note that any points earned in your original category will not transfer to the new category. We recommend staying in the category you originally registered for. Cash prizes are only available to Cat 1 Expert finishers.
WHEN DOES MY RACE TIME BEGIN AND HOW EARLY SHOULD I ARRIVE? The race begins at 9:00 AM at the top of the course. Your personal race time does not start until you have climbed to the top, lined up, and are at the front of the line for your personal countdown. The climb to the top is not timed, however the distance and elevation from the parking lot to the top varies by venue and the climb can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. We strongly recommend arriving early enough to park, pick up your packet if you did not grab it on Saturday, and make the climb with enough time to catch your breath before the race begins. Visit the individual venue pages at thedirtwave.com for course details and climb information for each location.
DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE BOTH TIMED RUNS? You are not required to complete both runs. If you feel your first run was your best and you choose not to do a second, that is completely fine. We do ask that you let us know so we are not out looking for you on the course!
WHY ARE THERE ONLY 100 SPOTS IN THE RACE? We cap registration at 100 racers to ensure there is enough time for all participants to complete two timed runs down the course while allowing adequate time to climb back to the top between runs.
HOW DO I GET TO THE TRAILS AND WHERE DO I PARK? Directions and parking information for each venue can be found on the individual venue pages at thedirtwave.com. We will have volunteers directing parking on race day. We recommend arriving early as parking fills up quickly!
WHERE SHOULD I STAY? Lodging recommendations for each host community can be found on the individual venue pages at thedirtwave.com. We encourage you to stay local and explore everything each community has to offer!
IS THIS A GOOD FIRST RACE? Absolutely! Let us know at check-in that it is your first race and we will make sure you feel comfortable and supported at the start line. Our team is high energy and encouraging and we will give you all the time you need to feel ready to drop in. Please note that each race course contains sections of Black Diamond rated trails, meaning they are designed for experienced riders comfortable navigating technical terrain, obstacles, exposure, and high speeds. Make sure you are familiar with the trails before race day!
HOW DO I SUPPORT THE LOCAL TRAILS? Join us on Saturday for the club dig day hosted by the local trail club at each venue! It is free, fun, and a great way to give back to the trails you love. Visit the individual venue pages at thedirtwave.com for dig day details and volunteer sign up links.
Questions? Contact Event Director Daniella Crowder at Director@OregonRides.com